The Syosset Chamber of Commerce held their annual Holiday Lighting Festival on Sunday, Dec. 5 in downtown Syosset. This year, the weather cooperated after the festivities were canceled last year due to a severe snowstorm that hit the area. Residents gathered in the north parking lot of the Astoria Federal Savings Bank Plaza on Jackson Ave. to attend the festivities, which put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Master of Ceremonies Michael Biggiani started the festivities by delivering the welcome address and introducing the color guard: Syosset Post 6394 Veteran's of Foreign Wars and Syosset American Legion Post 0175. This was followed by God Bless America, performed by Tony Bellafiore and the blessing and lighting of the menorah, which was performed by Rabbi David A. Whiman from North Shore Synagogue. The blessing of the tree and creche was done by Rev. James Anderson from Faith Lutheran Church and Father Thomas Fusco from St. Edward the Confessor Church. Syosset's talent took the stage next.

Syosset High School Holiday Jazz/Holiday Band performed a warm-up holiday medley, and the Faith Lutheran Church Choir, under the direction of Carol Weber, sang Carol of the Bells.

Dan Caplin from Syosset High School sang Basahana Haba-A and Natalie Swergold sang The Christmas Song while Tanya Lam accompanied her on the guitar.

Sarah Laine, Katie Ferris and Grace Marie Lewis, from Martha Meredith's Dance Theatre Eclectic, performed to Snowflakes; and the Mercy First Youth Choir, under the direction of Robyn Blue, sang Over the River and Through the Woods.

Ramona Machson sang and played the guitar to Come Light the Menorah and the Bible Baptist Church Choir performed Joy to the World.

Sarah Sanfilippo sang Ave Maria, which was dedicated to the memory of Mike Biondo, who passed away a few years ago. His family owns the parking lot where the holiday ceremony is held and they give the chamber the use of the parking lot, electricity and many other things to make the festivities happen.

As the children were getting restless in their seats, John Roth from Syosset High School sang Jingle Bell Rock and then it was time for the star of the show.

Santa Claus arrived on a hook and ladder truck courtesy of the Syosset Fire Department. He made his way to the tree and illuminated the beautiful lights and then visited with children to give them one last chance to make their holiday gift requests.

The Syosset Chamber of Commerce, especially the holiday committee Michael Biggiani, co-chairman; Frank Urso, co-chairman; Ron Geraci, Jack Biondo, Maria Anderson, William Chabina Jr., Robert McCullough, Jo Costa, Vinny Greco, Dr. Lisa Predmore, Phil Rhoads, Tom Montalkbano, Tricia Shannon, Sofi Kaufman, Danielle Selgrosso and Thomas Dunne, made this event special for the entire Syosset community and started the holiday season in a festive fashion.